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Elder Abuse Coalition

The Oneida County Elder Abuse Coalition is a continually growing collection of area agencies and organizations that was formed to promote the awareness, recognition, intervention and prevention of elder abuse in our community. Together we provide a prompt, coordinated response to the service needs of victims and other vulnerable persons.

WE PRACTICE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ELDER ABUSE IN ONEIDA COUNTY.
IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE IS THE VICTIM OF ELDER ABUSE CALL US TO MAKE A CONFIDENTIAL REFERRAL AT 315-798-5456

How to make a referral to the Oneida County Elder Abuse Coalition:

When you suspect financial exploitation, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect call the Oneida County Office for the Aging & Continuing Care at 315-798-5456.

A new referral will be taken by an intake worker who will ask for the following information:

Name of victim

Victim’s address

Victim’s date of birth, if available

Victim’s Social Security Number, if available

Name or the Referral Source*

Type and indicators of suspected abuse

Whom should initial contact be made through

Any other pertinent information

* Referral Source may choose to remain anonymous

What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse; financial exploitation; and neglect (including self-neglect). It is found in all communities and is not limited to individuals of any particular race, ethnic or cultural background or socio-economic status. According the best available estimates, between one and two million Americans aged 65 or older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone. Furthermore, it is estimated that for every one case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect reported to authorities, five others go unreported. See below for abuse definitions and indicators.

Physical AbuseThe non-accidental use of force that results in bodily injury, pain or impairment, including but not limited to, being slapped, burned, cut, bruised or improperly physically restrained.

Indicators:

Injuries to the upper body, especially the face, neck, throat, chest, abdomen or to the pelvic area

Bruises in the shapes of objects such as a belt or fingers

Burns in unusual locations, shapes or sizes

Previous injuries in different stages of healing

Location of the bruising inconsistent with the victim’s explanations

Bi-lateral bruises

Evidence of drug or alcohol abuse by victim or person accompanying the victim

Repeated use of emergency room services, possibly in different facilities

Delay between the incident causing the injury and presentation in the emergency room

Changes in demeanor or activity level (either observed through on-going contact or reported by the victim)

Unwillingness to communicate

Sexual AbuseNon-consensual sexual contact of any kind, including but not limited to, forcing sexual contact or forcing sex with a third party.

Indicators:

Difficulty in walking or sitting without evidence of muscular-skeletal disease

Bruising on the inner thighs

Vaginal bleeding not associated with menses

Presence of sperm in the vagina or anus

Unexplained venereal disease or infection

Emotional AbuseThe willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, intimidation or other abusive conduct, including but not limited to, frightening or isolating the victim.

Indicators:

Victim’s confusion (which is not otherwise indicated by organic brain syndrome, malnutrition, dehydration, anesthesia or inappropriate use of medication)

Signs of depression (such as suicidal ideation, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, pyscho-motor agitation and loss of interest in pursuing social contacts)

Anxiety

Passivity

Evasiveness

Fear

Financial ExploitationThe improper use of an adult’s funds, property or resources by another individual, including but not limited to, fraud, false pretenses, embezzlement, conspiracy, forgery, falsifying records, coerced property transfers or denial of access to assets.

Credit card bills from clothing or electronic equipment suppliers not likely to be frequented by victim

Anxiety when discussing finances

Unusual transfers or assets to another person

Passive NeglectThe non-willful failure of a caregiver to fulfill caretaking functions and responsibilities because of inadequate caregiver knowledge, infirmity or disputing the value of prescribed services.

Active Neglect
The willful failure by the caregiver to fulfill the caretaking functions and responsibilities assumed by the caregiver, including, but not limited to failure to provide for food, clothing or shelter, access to medical or long term care services, assistance with activities of daily living or to provide a safe environment.

Self-NeglectThe inability, due to physical and/or mental impairments to perform tasks essential to caring for oneself, including but not limited to providing essential food, clothing, shelter or medical care; obtaining goods and services necessary to maintain physical health; emotional well-being and general safety; and managing financial affairs.